This was one of my favorite moments of the entire trip.. I wish the environment could be shown.. but it was dark..
Sunday, September 21, 2008
ROMA PHOTOS
Ice water at Hard Rock
In the Borghese Gardens
After Jessica's pictures dissapeared.. (we still had to have a pic at the Fontaine de Trevi)
Colosseum at night
Victor Emmanuele Monument.. my favorite building in Rome
me being a statue in the vatican museum
our welcome drink
inside the colosseum
our breakfast in bed... the sugar was in heart shaped packets.
the sign for climbing the cupola... it's small but under the five euro... the green words say 321 steps
at the top
our room
seriously my favorite people... i miss them
Amy Chavasse
David Capps
POLA!!!
loving it
a got tan
this picture just doesn't do him justice.. but i promise.. this guy looks just like patrick dempsey.. the first time i saw him i said """ OH MCDREAMY" and it stuck.. everyone started calling him that.
Bob Boross
Arati (kathak teacher)
Jessica making Nutella cake... as gross as it looks, it was wonderful
cathedral in Sienna
my self-timered beach shot... looks like botticelli
my favorite time of day when the sea and sky blend together
that is the view from MY ROCK... the feet at the bottom give you perspective of where i really was
our sweet little home... the top right window.. partially hidden by the tree was mine
100000000 tiny diamonds on the sea in Castiglioncello 
Our palace in Florence... mine and Jessica's suite
pic from the Ponte Vecchio
My favorite picture from the trip... Every time I see it I long to be there.August 2, 2008 1:56 a.m.
BOO! I'm in the airport now waiting to leave. Today, started out as another wonderful day!! We decided to treat ourselves, since we were staying in the most luxurious hotel ever (insert sarcasm) and sleep in until 9:00 a.m. When we woke up, we ate in the kitchen/breakfast area.
Our hotel was hood! The balcony door wouldn't even lock. I freaked because I imagined some masked man coming in and killing us (CSI?). So we stacked all our bags in front of it. I fell asleep to MTV. If anything, our room had good AC. I woke up shivering.
After breakfast in bed at Prestige Guest House, packaged croissants and bottled juice isn't what I had in mind for a place that cost 15 euro more per night, but it was good and I had a good homemade espresso. After checking out, we took the train to Termini Stazione to store the backpacks we were clarrying clothes for Rome in. When we got there the line was really long.
We stopped at the claim section to know how much money to withdraw for our stuff and we freaked out!!!! The man told us it would be roughly 20 Euro per bag, per day, which would end up being so expensive. We were worried about it all day.
After that, we took the metro back to Piazza Barberini and walked down Via Veneto Vittorio to Hard Rock Cafe!! HEAVEN!!! We got there and decided to eat lunch. It was so, so wonderful. We ordered water and actually got two glasses with ICE and a straw. I literraly almost cried sheer tears of joy. I miss free-flowing water so much. I can't wait to stand at my fridge and drink excessive amounts of ice-cold water. I feel so dehydrated. Beyond that we also had Heinz squeeze ketchup and French's mustard for our oh-so crispy fries!!!! It made me so happy. I love Italian. It has always been my favorite, but the menu selection at most places is sparse. A few more pasta dishes and I will turn into a noodle. After lunch, I got my dad a city shirt and we walked to The Borghese Gallery.
It was exciting to see a different side of Rome... not quite so touristy. We got there really early...so I read through a guide in the gift shop! I loved the art and the villa was spectacular. I can't even imagine living somewhere like that! My favorite sculpture was Rape of the Port___ something something. There was so much detail and it really looked so real. My favorite painting (there were two) 1. cupid with a women and bees and 2. cupid and venus blindfolded which (according to the guide) represents that love is blind.
We walked back to the Pantheon where we went to a famous gelato place. I got three flavors... cioccolato bianco (white chocolate), after eight, and champagne. One I got because I didnt know waht it was and two because I just wanted to taste. Champagne was runny and strong. After eight was intense mint and cioccolato biano was perfect. We walked in the Pantheon, just a quick little stop then moved to the Fontaine de Trevi, where the day took a dark turn.......
I was sarting to take a pic of Jess tossing in coins and I thought she should change her settings to s quicker shutter speed. Well,... somehow some function which deletes the entire memory card was pressed....
Needless to say, she freaked out! six weeks worth of memories were deleted. She had some good ones too. So I hopped up and announced that we were going to go visit as many sights as possible with the time we had left. We basically sprinted to the Colosseum...but she got amazing night shots... then to Victor Emanuel monument... also amazing at night. From there we walked back to the Pantheon. I withdraw 100 Euro to pay for dinner/taxi/and hopefully luggage. We ate dinner on a square in front of the Pantheon. It was beautiful. We shared a plate of mixed cheeses and a bottle of sparkling wine as our last meal in Italy...seriously a great meal. Then Jess left to withdraw money. It wouldn't work. We both freaked. I wound up having to withdraw more money to cover taxi and luggage for us both. We got to the train station (hoping Jessicas card would work) and I had to withdraw, yet again, to the 76.20 for both of us. That was better than we had imagined... thankfully.
From there, we walked outside for a taxi. The drivers started fighting over who would take us. I got mad and just walked to a car. Coming into Rome we notcied the fixed rate to Fimicino was 40 Euro. Once we were laoding up, he informed us that we had to pay metered amount for late night travel. When he said it would be only 50-60 Euro we agreed. ... Not that great a difference we thought. He took off so fast!!!!!!!!! I think he thought the faster he went the less it would charge... honestly. Now I know I exxagerate a lot, but this time I have a witness... he reached 200 KMH at one poitn.. At first I was laughing so hard I could not breathe. It was absolutely ridiculous. This man was running red lights and everything... in the center of Rome. My uncontrollable laughter turned into a panicked laugh. It was so terrible. I was seriously scared for my life.
We finally made it, coming in at a cheap and easy 100 EURO!!! I could not believe I would have to withdraw money again!!! Once we got inside, we realized that the jerk dropped us at the baggage claim!! from there we had to walk a dang mile to our ticket counter... which still isn't open (2:44 a.m.)
I don't want to leave Italy, but after this day, I can't wait to be home. I just want ice-water with lemon and a salad with ranch. Other than people, that's pretty much all I want from home.
I try not to be one of the people who misses out on the joy of Italy by whining about all the things better about home. I like it here and despite these last few hours I really don't want to leave and I will really miss it!
Our hotel was hood! The balcony door wouldn't even lock. I freaked because I imagined some masked man coming in and killing us (CSI?). So we stacked all our bags in front of it. I fell asleep to MTV. If anything, our room had good AC. I woke up shivering.
After breakfast in bed at Prestige Guest House, packaged croissants and bottled juice isn't what I had in mind for a place that cost 15 euro more per night, but it was good and I had a good homemade espresso. After checking out, we took the train to Termini Stazione to store the backpacks we were clarrying clothes for Rome in. When we got there the line was really long.
We stopped at the claim section to know how much money to withdraw for our stuff and we freaked out!!!! The man told us it would be roughly 20 Euro per bag, per day, which would end up being so expensive. We were worried about it all day.
After that, we took the metro back to Piazza Barberini and walked down Via Veneto Vittorio to Hard Rock Cafe!! HEAVEN!!! We got there and decided to eat lunch. It was so, so wonderful. We ordered water and actually got two glasses with ICE and a straw. I literraly almost cried sheer tears of joy. I miss free-flowing water so much. I can't wait to stand at my fridge and drink excessive amounts of ice-cold water. I feel so dehydrated. Beyond that we also had Heinz squeeze ketchup and French's mustard for our oh-so crispy fries!!!! It made me so happy. I love Italian. It has always been my favorite, but the menu selection at most places is sparse. A few more pasta dishes and I will turn into a noodle. After lunch, I got my dad a city shirt and we walked to The Borghese Gallery.
It was exciting to see a different side of Rome... not quite so touristy. We got there really early...so I read through a guide in the gift shop! I loved the art and the villa was spectacular. I can't even imagine living somewhere like that! My favorite sculpture was Rape of the Port___ something something. There was so much detail and it really looked so real. My favorite painting (there were two) 1. cupid with a women and bees and 2. cupid and venus blindfolded which (according to the guide) represents that love is blind.
We walked back to the Pantheon where we went to a famous gelato place. I got three flavors... cioccolato bianco (white chocolate), after eight, and champagne. One I got because I didnt know waht it was and two because I just wanted to taste. Champagne was runny and strong. After eight was intense mint and cioccolato biano was perfect. We walked in the Pantheon, just a quick little stop then moved to the Fontaine de Trevi, where the day took a dark turn.......
I was sarting to take a pic of Jess tossing in coins and I thought she should change her settings to s quicker shutter speed. Well,... somehow some function which deletes the entire memory card was pressed....
Needless to say, she freaked out! six weeks worth of memories were deleted. She had some good ones too. So I hopped up and announced that we were going to go visit as many sights as possible with the time we had left. We basically sprinted to the Colosseum...but she got amazing night shots... then to Victor Emanuel monument... also amazing at night. From there we walked back to the Pantheon. I withdraw 100 Euro to pay for dinner/taxi/and hopefully luggage. We ate dinner on a square in front of the Pantheon. It was beautiful. We shared a plate of mixed cheeses and a bottle of sparkling wine as our last meal in Italy...seriously a great meal. Then Jess left to withdraw money. It wouldn't work. We both freaked. I wound up having to withdraw more money to cover taxi and luggage for us both. We got to the train station (hoping Jessicas card would work) and I had to withdraw, yet again, to the 76.20 for both of us. That was better than we had imagined... thankfully.
From there, we walked outside for a taxi. The drivers started fighting over who would take us. I got mad and just walked to a car. Coming into Rome we notcied the fixed rate to Fimicino was 40 Euro. Once we were laoding up, he informed us that we had to pay metered amount for late night travel. When he said it would be only 50-60 Euro we agreed. ... Not that great a difference we thought. He took off so fast!!!!!!!!! I think he thought the faster he went the less it would charge... honestly. Now I know I exxagerate a lot, but this time I have a witness... he reached 200 KMH at one poitn.. At first I was laughing so hard I could not breathe. It was absolutely ridiculous. This man was running red lights and everything... in the center of Rome. My uncontrollable laughter turned into a panicked laugh. It was so terrible. I was seriously scared for my life.
We finally made it, coming in at a cheap and easy 100 EURO!!! I could not believe I would have to withdraw money again!!! Once we got inside, we realized that the jerk dropped us at the baggage claim!! from there we had to walk a dang mile to our ticket counter... which still isn't open (2:44 a.m.)
I don't want to leave Italy, but after this day, I can't wait to be home. I just want ice-water with lemon and a salad with ranch. Other than people, that's pretty much all I want from home.
I try not to be one of the people who misses out on the joy of Italy by whining about all the things better about home. I like it here and despite these last few hours I really don't want to leave and I will really miss it!
July 31, 20008
Ahhhh... Roma!!! It's beautiful and old and dirty, but so exhilarating. I love it, but I hate it! So hot and so crowded... but there's so much massive splendor everywhere I look. Sometimes it's almost too much to take in! So far, this trip has been wonderful!
After we arrived in Rome, we checked in to Prestige Guest House, which was yet another hidden treasure. It smelled wonderful. We got a welcome drink (OJ in Champagne Flukes) and some candy on a tray. Romina, the receptionist was so friendly. For breakfast, a tray of deliciousness was delivered to our room! I didn't even want to leave!!! The excitement of Rome pulled me out of the room though!
We visited the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, The Forum, and St. Peter in Chains Church. At the Colosseum, we took a tour which included Palatine Hill and partly The Forum. Our tour guide was a perv...but he's Italian... so...
We had a good dinner. We ate at Miscellanea, recommended by Rick Steves. The food was so-so, but it was cheap and fun. We got free "sexy wine" aka Strawberry Wine (made in-house). We also sat next to a crazy Canadian woman and her Irish husband. They were nice. They showed us to an amazing gelateria!! There were so many flavors. On the way there we agreed we were just going to find where it was and then wait until the next day to get some gelato... once we got inside we changed our minds... no matter how full we were, we always found room for gelato. I had grapefruit, kiwi, and raspberry!
Today we took the metro to Vatican City. We did good to figure out the subway without much help. We bought a Roma Pass which has been amazing!!! I'm still in disbelief, ... get ready for this...but at the Vatican Museum, we walked right in with no line whatsoever!!!!!
I can't believe how big that place is! It would be so easy to get lost. It was almost like sensory overload. I just wanted to see sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel. We saw it all though. I'm so glad I'm here with Jessica who also enjoys museums and learning. We had to rush somewhat to get back to 3 Coins Bed and Breakfast (should be renamed Hotel Inconvenience).
Luckily, after six whole years of waiting, I got to climb the cupola at St. Peter's Basilica. For an extra two euro, we took the elevator which cut out 200ish steps... still living 321. I was so surprised at how easy it was. We were at the top before I even realized. It kind of disappointed me. I expected to be cramping and gasping for breath by the time I made it to the top.
The stairs have been modernized, so unlike Florence, there wasn't much tight spiraling. At the top, I expected it to feel much higher. I guess those hills in Castiglioncello got my legs in shape =)
We came back to our hotel to check in and then shopped around the Spanish Steps. I got a bomb rain-coat. I can't wait to wear it! We had dinner on Campo de Fiori, which means Field of Flowers. It was nice. We walked back to our room, which was quite the haul. It was worth it. I'm tired and dirty, so shower and Notte-Notte. We saw the end of a live dance concert in front of the Pantheon.
-Notte Notte
After we arrived in Rome, we checked in to Prestige Guest House, which was yet another hidden treasure. It smelled wonderful. We got a welcome drink (OJ in Champagne Flukes) and some candy on a tray. Romina, the receptionist was so friendly. For breakfast, a tray of deliciousness was delivered to our room! I didn't even want to leave!!! The excitement of Rome pulled me out of the room though!
We visited the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, The Forum, and St. Peter in Chains Church. At the Colosseum, we took a tour which included Palatine Hill and partly The Forum. Our tour guide was a perv...but he's Italian... so...
We had a good dinner. We ate at Miscellanea, recommended by Rick Steves. The food was so-so, but it was cheap and fun. We got free "sexy wine" aka Strawberry Wine (made in-house). We also sat next to a crazy Canadian woman and her Irish husband. They were nice. They showed us to an amazing gelateria!! There were so many flavors. On the way there we agreed we were just going to find where it was and then wait until the next day to get some gelato... once we got inside we changed our minds... no matter how full we were, we always found room for gelato. I had grapefruit, kiwi, and raspberry!
Today we took the metro to Vatican City. We did good to figure out the subway without much help. We bought a Roma Pass which has been amazing!!! I'm still in disbelief, ... get ready for this...but at the Vatican Museum, we walked right in with no line whatsoever!!!!!
I can't believe how big that place is! It would be so easy to get lost. It was almost like sensory overload. I just wanted to see sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel. We saw it all though. I'm so glad I'm here with Jessica who also enjoys museums and learning. We had to rush somewhat to get back to 3 Coins Bed and Breakfast (should be renamed Hotel Inconvenience).
Luckily, after six whole years of waiting, I got to climb the cupola at St. Peter's Basilica. For an extra two euro, we took the elevator which cut out 200ish steps... still living 321. I was so surprised at how easy it was. We were at the top before I even realized. It kind of disappointed me. I expected to be cramping and gasping for breath by the time I made it to the top.
The stairs have been modernized, so unlike Florence, there wasn't much tight spiraling. At the top, I expected it to feel much higher. I guess those hills in Castiglioncello got my legs in shape =)
We came back to our hotel to check in and then shopped around the Spanish Steps. I got a bomb rain-coat. I can't wait to wear it! We had dinner on Campo de Fiori, which means Field of Flowers. It was nice. We walked back to our room, which was quite the haul. It was worth it. I'm tired and dirty, so shower and Notte-Notte. We saw the end of a live dance concert in front of the Pantheon.
-Notte Notte
July 28, 2008
My time here is almost over! I can't believe it! It seems like only yesterday, Jess and I were hauling our bags in. Before long, we made our humble abode seem like home and now we're having to leave it all behind. I'm so sad to think that I only have one day left here. I wish I could bottle this place up and take it with me. No matter what...no matter what words, 10,000 pictures or whatever, the only fair way for this beauty to be appreciated is in person. You really know what it's about when you're standing on those rocks in "dinosaur playground" and you hear the waves, breathe in the saltiness of the sea and feel that warm breeze that you know you've found a place you'll always remember.
Today was very emotional. We had our show last night and a party today rather than having class. At the party the teachers talked to us and shared some memories. Pola said we're the best group and that we're really the first to line up with her originial vision for the program. It really meant a lot. The most touching words came from her husband Adolphus. He is so cute. He made me cry... although I had been fighting it the whole time. He said, "I hope your paths do cross one day and when they do, love each other and support each other". Then, (and this is what got me) he said "always remember this moment". And I know I will. I will always always remember sitting there between Austin and Heather, as Adolphus' blue eyes teared up and his chin trembled. I know it before he said it, that was a moment I will always remember and always cherish.
I'm eternally grateful to Pola for starting this program. I'll always remember dancing beneath the wide open sky in an ampitheater on a beautiful, summer night in Castiglioncello. I will miss this place and these people so much more than I ever thought I would. If I didn't grow as a dancer, the 2800 dollars for tuition was not in vain. I am a different person. I've learned to appreciate art and movement...to see movement in sculptures, in paintings, in the landscape...to think of myself as an expressive mover who has the ability to take people on an emotional journey if I so choose. I know there is a place for me as a dancer and ProDanza gave me the confidence and passion to go find it.
Today was very emotional. We had our show last night and a party today rather than having class. At the party the teachers talked to us and shared some memories. Pola said we're the best group and that we're really the first to line up with her originial vision for the program. It really meant a lot. The most touching words came from her husband Adolphus. He is so cute. He made me cry... although I had been fighting it the whole time. He said, "I hope your paths do cross one day and when they do, love each other and support each other". Then, (and this is what got me) he said "always remember this moment". And I know I will. I will always always remember sitting there between Austin and Heather, as Adolphus' blue eyes teared up and his chin trembled. I know it before he said it, that was a moment I will always remember and always cherish.
I'm eternally grateful to Pola for starting this program. I'll always remember dancing beneath the wide open sky in an ampitheater on a beautiful, summer night in Castiglioncello. I will miss this place and these people so much more than I ever thought I would. If I didn't grow as a dancer, the 2800 dollars for tuition was not in vain. I am a different person. I've learned to appreciate art and movement...to see movement in sculptures, in paintings, in the landscape...to think of myself as an expressive mover who has the ability to take people on an emotional journey if I so choose. I know there is a place for me as a dancer and ProDanza gave me the confidence and passion to go find it.
Monday, September 1, 2008
July 25, 2008
So, I was just sleeping peacefully on my rock and I woke up because I felt something crawling on my arm!!! I woke up and there was a CRAB on my arm!!!!!!!!!! I was laying on my stomach, so I had my suit untied....you know where this is going...I was asleep and I jumped up, oh year the top was loose. At least there was only one old lady near me. I was so mad because it was the perfect rock for laying on my stomach and that was perfect. So...I moved to my afternoon rock even though it's only like 10:30 am here. I only get sun on one side at this time, but it's definitely the best rock!!Angled down...and right on the water so I get an amazing beach breeze!!
I think this is a place people dream about and they don't even know it. Especially a day like today! It's noon and I'm not even glistening. There is such a good breeze. I jsut wish I could bum a ride on one of the many boats zooming past me! I brought along a white peach for a snack. I'd never had a "Pesche bianco" until I came here and I love it. It's very tasty!
I think this is a place people dream about and they don't even know it. Especially a day like today! It's noon and I'm not even glistening. There is such a good breeze. I jsut wish I could bum a ride on one of the many boats zooming past me! I brought along a white peach for a snack. I'd never had a "Pesche bianco" until I came here and I love it. It's very tasty!
July 24, 2008
Last market day in Castiglioncello!! Luckily, I didn't have to buy any costume pieces. I bought one piece last week for Kathak. I got it at a vintage stand for only 5 euro!! It is royal blue, short sleeves, linen, with gold embroidered dots, and a fancy embroidered pattern in the middle. I really like it. I got it because I know I will wear it at home also. Other than that, I was pretty set with costuming. I will miss the market when I get home! Even not buying anything...it's fun to plunder and be jostled around in the crowd!!
I just love the ease and sense of relaxation here! It is such a wonderful shift of pace from my normally crazy-hectic schedule.
I saw a little girl at the market today who reminded me so much of Madison. She was the same size (well Madison's size when I left) she had pretty, pale skin, and white-blonde hair. It took all I had not to run over and scoop her up. I only saw her from behind because she was prissing away from her family...that too reminded me of my moon pie.
I bought a yellow watermelon at CONAD today. I've been craving watermelon since I got here and I was totally intrigued. I decided to get it. I haven't tried it yet, but I will definitely comment on it.
I'm pretty sore today. Actually, it's only like 8:30 maybe 8 and I'm going to bed!!
-Notte Notte
I just love the ease and sense of relaxation here! It is such a wonderful shift of pace from my normally crazy-hectic schedule.
I saw a little girl at the market today who reminded me so much of Madison. She was the same size (well Madison's size when I left) she had pretty, pale skin, and white-blonde hair. It took all I had not to run over and scoop her up. I only saw her from behind because she was prissing away from her family...that too reminded me of my moon pie.
I bought a yellow watermelon at CONAD today. I've been craving watermelon since I got here and I was totally intrigued. I decided to get it. I haven't tried it yet, but I will definitely comment on it.
I'm pretty sore today. Actually, it's only like 8:30 maybe 8 and I'm going to bed!!
-Notte Notte
July 21, 2008
My entire trip turned around in one day! Yesterday... my bank account told me I only had $100 left and I absolutely freaked out!!! I mean I haven't even bought presents for everyone and beyond that I wouldn't even have money to stay in Rome. I was so upset!! I tried to call my mom but my mama answered and I got emotional because I really miss her and I wasn't expecting to hear her.
So I went to bed still freaking out! O wait rewind...I stopped in the park because I didn't want to talk to anyone... I needed some alone time... I found the most beautiful spot! I'm actually glad I stopped in the park! I sat on a bench and had lots of time to unwind. It was such a pretty view from where I was. I couldn't really enjoy it thought because I was so upset, (now looking back on it... it seems I did enjoy it more than I thought I was in that moment). Eventually, I went home, when my ipod froze. I talked to Jessica. In a way it was good I found out about my money because it turns out she only had $100. We were both in the red zone.
This morning I woke up feeling defeated and beat down; exhausted. Well, I guess it helped me because all day I got comments from the teachers. On the way to class, I told myself to focus on movement. I knew I shouldn't let my worries negatively effect my classes, because they were already paid for! My little self-communication must have worked. Then at the end of the dayI called my mom and she told me she was going to help me out! A huge weight lifted from my shoulders.
I'm still going to continue to be tight with speding, but at least now I know I will be able to get home =)
So I went to bed still freaking out! O wait rewind...I stopped in the park because I didn't want to talk to anyone... I needed some alone time... I found the most beautiful spot! I'm actually glad I stopped in the park! I sat on a bench and had lots of time to unwind. It was such a pretty view from where I was. I couldn't really enjoy it thought because I was so upset, (now looking back on it... it seems I did enjoy it more than I thought I was in that moment). Eventually, I went home, when my ipod froze. I talked to Jessica. In a way it was good I found out about my money because it turns out she only had $100. We were both in the red zone.
This morning I woke up feeling defeated and beat down; exhausted. Well, I guess it helped me because all day I got comments from the teachers. On the way to class, I told myself to focus on movement. I knew I shouldn't let my worries negatively effect my classes, because they were already paid for! My little self-communication must have worked. Then at the end of the dayI called my mom and she told me she was going to help me out! A huge weight lifted from my shoulders.
I'm still going to continue to be tight with speding, but at least now I know I will be able to get home =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
